Where Numbers Rule
Where Numbers Rule
Featuring six new-age careers that require a blend of mathematical expertise and
industry-specific skills.
Freepik
In an era where technology and data analytics are transforming every sector of the economy,
Maths has emerged as a critical pillar in driving innovation and efficiency. From Artificial
Intelligence and Machine Learning to financial markets and autonomous systems, the application
of mathematical principles is pivotal in developing cutting-edge solutions and making informed
decisions. Here are six career options that blend mathematical expertise with industry-specific
skills
Algorithmic Trader: Algorithmic trading has revolutionised the finance industry by using
sophisticated mathematical models and computer algorithms to execute trades at unprecedented
speeds. These models help predict market movements and capitalise on fluctuations in
milliseconds. This role requires a deep understanding of both Maths and Finance to create
algorithms that can consistently outperform the market under various conditions. An algorithmic
trader uses advanced calculus and statistics to model and predict market behaviour and
understand the intricacies of different financial markets and instruments, guided by mathematical
principles such as probability and risk analysis.
AI Ethics Officer: ensures that AI systems are developed and deployed in a manner that adheres to
ethical standards and societal norms. They employ Maths to identify and reduce biases in AI
algorithms, ensuring machine-made decisions are fair and transparent. They create frameworks
using statistical models and ethical algorithms to detect and correct biases, and utilise
mathematical reasoning to align AI practices with global data protection and privacy standards.
Autonomous Vehicle System Analyst: Also known as self-driving cars, autonomous vehicles use a
complex mix of Maths, Computer Science, and Engineering to navigate safely and efficiently
without human intervention. An Autonomous Vehicle Systems Analyst develops and refines the
algorithms that allow these cars to “see” and “decide”. They apply principles of linear algebra and
differential equations to design systems that can predict and adapt to dynamic environments and
enhance autonomous algorithms with machine learning techniques, requiring strong statistical
analysis and optimisation skills.
Cryptocurrency Analyst: uses mathematical models to evaluate the stability and potential of
various digital currencies, assess market trends, and advise on investment strategies. They use
probability and statistical inference to assess the chances of different outcomes and employ
statistical analysis and predictive modelling to study market trends and make informed
investment decisions based on data.
Digital Twin Engineer: creates digital versions (or twins) of physical systems ranging from a car
engine, a building, a manufacturing line, or even a city’s water supply network. Using these digital
twins, they predict what will happen in the real world under different conditions without ever
touching the actual system. These engineers use Maths to describe every aspect of the digital
twin, from geometry to simulate shapes and sizes of physical objects, to calculus and algebra to
model how things change over time.
Operations Research Analyst: Vital in industries ranging from logistics and transportation to
healthcare and defence, they use mathematical models and algorithms to optimise operational
efficiency, reduce costs, and improve service delivery. Their work involves solving some of the
most complex decision-making by applying a mix of mathematical, statistical, and computational
techniques.
The integration of Maths into these high-demand roles is not just about applying known formulas
to solve equations; it’s about using Maths to innovate, predict, and optimise in a rapidly changing
world.
The writer is the founder and CEO of Bhanzu, a Maths education platform.